'Freaknik' event in Cambridge ends in eight arrests

CAMBRIDGE — An unsanctioned "Freaknik" event in the area of Greenwood Avenue and Cosby Avenue on May 25 resulted in eight arrests.

According to a news release from the Cambridge Police Department, at least 400 people were estimated to have been a part of the gathering.

Cambridge Police said there was fighting at the Cambridge event on May 25, and attendees gathered in residential complexes that have "no trespassing" and "no loitering" signs posted. Police said there were also vehicles parked in "no parking" zones, which resulted in citations being issued and vehicles getting towed.

As officers tried to get the crowds to disperse, police said a majority of groups were "very defiant, belligerent and hostile towards law enforcement," which included the Cambridge Police Department, Maryland State Police and the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said bottles were thrown at officers "on several occasions." One glass bottle hit a state police vehicle, causing damage to the vehicle.

Police said officers deployed oleoresin capsicum spray, or pepper spray, and and departmental-issued tasers "to affect arrest and to keep hostile crowds back from officers." They said officers were assaulted by attendees.

Jymaree Meekins, who attended the event said that the event was good for the community. He said the promoters gave out free food and drinks and people had a good time.

"I don't think any of the people that got arrested really did anything to get arrested," he said. "I think the cops were really harassing them."

Meekins said he didn't think anyone got into altercations other than with the cops.

"When the cops went up to people, I wasn't really around," he said. "But from afar, I could see them just chasing innocent people. Pepper spraying them, tackling people that weren't really doing anything."

According to the news release, CPD was made aware of the event that took place in the 500 and 600 blocks of Greenwood Avenue and the 1000 block of Cosby Avenue through social media.

Police said that CPD officers were assigned to the Greenwood Avenue area that afternoon "to show a police presence" in an effort to stop potential violence or illegal activities.

The eight people arrested include:

A 17-year-old from Cambridge who was charged, via a juvenile referral, with disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order and trespassing.Princess La’Niya Justine Demby, 20, of Cambridge, who was charged with disorderly conduct, failure to obey a lawful order and resisting arrest.Velouse Richele’ne Georges, 20, of Salisbury, who was charged with second-degree assault, trespassing, obstructing and hindering and resisting arrest.Shaqueelah Shante Smith, 32 years, of Cambridge, who was charged with disorderly conduct.Camren Dajour Lake, 22, of Cambridge, who was charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct and failure to obey a lawful order.Ronald George Ricketts III, 24, of Cambridge, who was charged with disorderly conduct.Ja’nya Amara Sherwood, 19, of Salisbury, who was charged with disorderly conduct and possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure.Tei’Sha Na’Sha Simms, 22, of Cambridge, who was charged with failure to obey a lawful order.

Police said all of the adults arrested were released on personal recognizance or on criminal citation.

CPD's investigation is on-going and additional arrests could be made, they said.